If any promoter has a fight library with the quality and depth to keep a round-the-clock linear streaming channel stocked with footage, it’s Bob Arum.
So it’s little wonder that Arum’s Top Rank has worked with Roku to launch “Top Rank Classics,” a 24/7 digital streaming channel that will broadcast fights and fighter-related programming from the promotion’s vast, decades-spanning library.
“Top Rank Classics,” which premiered Tuesday on Roku (a free streaming channel), will broadcast content featuring Hall of Famers such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya and Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as numerous other memorable figures and moments under the promotion’s banner.
“Top Rank’s library of content is second to none among combat sports brands,” said Brian Kelly, the promotion’s chief revenue officer. “We are proud to partner with Roku to create a 24/7 content home that showcases the sport’s all-time greats and future legends.”
“Top Rank Classics” will debut with a three-round classic between Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns, the Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales trilogy, Evander Holyfield’s heavyweight gut check against George Foreman and the 1999 Fight of the Year between Paulie Ayala and Johnny Tapia. Additionally, current Top Rank fighters such as Naoya Inoue, Keyshawn Davis, Emanuel Navarrete, Teofimo Lopez, Mikaela Mayer and Rafael Espinoza will appear in the channel’s programming.